A few tips to keep in mind:
- Citrus fruit (lemon, orange, grapefruit) has a bitter white part, called the pith, underneath the outer colorful portion. It can make the water taste bitter, so it’s a good idea to remove it before adding any citrus fruit.
- Precise measurements of fruit and vegetable slices aren’t really necessary. If you prefer cucumber over lemon, for example, you can alter the ratio to suit you taste.
- You can strain the fruit and vegetables out of the water, if you’d like, and eat them separately.
- Make no more than a day’s worth at a time as the fruit tends to get soggy.
Avoid drinking fluids too quickly.
Also, avoid excessive or regular consumption of lemon or other acidic drinks as they can soften tooth enamel (read more about the possible benefits and side effects of lemon water).
Certain ingredients should not be consumed in excess by people with certain health conditions. For example, citrus fruit, ginger, and mint may trigger heartburn and excessive ginger intake may increase the risk of bleeding in people with bleeding disorders and those taking medication that increases the risk of bleeding.
For some people, drinking too much water can be a problem. Be sure to check with your healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, particularly if you have a health condition (such as diabetes insipidus) or are taking diuretics or other medications.
